Rainfall investigation by means of marine in situ gamma-ray spectrometry in ligurian sea, mediterranean sea, italy

Marine in situ gamma-ray spectrometry was utilized for a rainfall study at the W1M3A observing system in Ligurian Sea, Mediterranean Sea, Italy. From 7 June to 10 October 2016, underwater total gamma-ray counting rate (TCR) and the activity concentration of radon daughters Pb, Bi and potassium K were continuously monitored along with ambient noise and meteorological parameters. TCR was proven as a good rainfall indicator as radon daughters' fallout resulted in increased levels of marine radioactivity during and 2-3 h after the rainfall events. Cloud origin significantly affects TCR and radon progenies variations, as aerial mass trajectories, which extend upon terrestrial areas, result in higher increments. TCR and radon progenies concentrations revealed an increasing non-linear trend with rainfall height and intensity. K was proven to be an additional radio-tracer as its dilution was associated with rainfall height. K variations combined with Bi measurements can be used to investigate the mixing of rain-and seawater. In comparison with measurements in the atmosphere, the application of marine in situ gamma-ray spectrometry for precipitation investigation provided important advantages: allows quantitative measurement of the radionuclides; K can be used, along with radon daughters, as a radio-tracer; the mixing of rain-and seawater can be associated with meteorological parameters.